Born: 1907 (Barcelona, Catalonia)
Died: 2000
Biography:
Ana María Martínez Sagi (16 February 1907 – 2 January 2000) was a Spanish poet, trade unionist, journalist, feminist, and athlete. She was a trailblazer in multiple fields and made significant contributions throughout her life. Martínez Sagi’s journey was marked by determination, courage, and a strong commitment to social justice.
Born into a well-off family in Barcelona, Catalonia, in 1907, Martínez Sagi had a privileged upbringing. Her father worked in textiles, and her mother encouraged her children to speak Spanish and English, but not Catalan. However, Martínez Sagi’s nanny taught her Catalan, which later became the language she would write in.
From a young age, Ana María Martínez Sagi displayed a passion for sports. She excelled in javelin and became a national champion in the discipline. Her talent and dedication to athletics brought her recognition within the sporting community.
Martínez Sagi’s involvement in sports led her to break new ground in the world of football. In 1934, she made history by becoming the first female director of FC Barcelona, a milestone achievement in Spanish football. Her leadership and determination paved the way for future generations of women in the sport.
While Martínez Sagi’s contributions to sports were notable, her impact reached far beyond the athletic field. She forged a career as a journalist and used her platform to advocate for social change. Alongside Josefina Carabias, Martínez Sagi became a prominent journalist in Republican Spain. She conducted interviews with various individuals, including beggars, prostitutes, and Catalan politicians. Her articles primarily focused on women’s suffrage, a controversial issue at the time. Martínez Sagi championed women’s rights and worked tirelessly to shed light on the challenges faced by women in Spanish society.
When the Spanish Civil War broke out, Martínez Sagi’s journalistic instincts led her to join the Durruti Column. Inspired by anarchist Buenaventura Durruti, she reported on the war from the front lines. Her first-hand accounts gave a voice to the marginalized and provided unique insights into the conflict.
In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Martínez Sagi was a gifted poet. She published several poetry books, showcasing her distressed and emotional style reminiscent of Latin American poets such as Juana de Ibarbourou, Alfonsina Storni, and Gabriela Mistral. Her poetry delved into themes of love, loss, and the human condition, resonating with readers on a profound level.
As a feminist, Martínez Sagi embraced progressive ideas from France and actively worked towards women’s empowerment. She founded the first club for women workers in Barcelona, aiming to improve literacy among women. Martínez Sagi’s dedication to gender equality left an indelible mark on Spanish society and fostered a sense of unity and strength among women.
Following the end of the Spanish Civil War, Martínez Sagi faced exile. She settled in France, residing in Paris and later Chartres. When World War II erupted, she joined the French Resistance, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the fight against oppression. In 1942, she narrowly escaped capture by the Gestapo during a raid on her apartment, fleeing through a window.
Martínez Sagi’s resilience and determination shone through even during times of hardship. After the war, she found herself selling handkerchiefs on the streets of Cannes, where she encountered the wife of the Aga Khan. This encounter led to a job offer, allowing her to rebuild her life after the turmoil of war.
Eventually, Martínez Sagi moved to the United States and taught at the University of Illinois. Her intellectual prowess and knowledge enriched the academic landscape, leaving a lasting impact on her students. However, her heart remained tied to her homeland, and after the death of Francisco Franco, she returned to Catalonia, settling near Barcelona in relative obscurity.
Throughout her life, Ana María Martínez Sagi embodied the spirit of resilience, determination, and social justice. Her accomplishments as a poet, journalist, athlete, and feminist played a significant role in shaping Spanish society. Martínez Sagi’s unwavering commitment to fight for equality and her pioneering achievements make her a remarkable figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– National champion in javelin
– First female director of FC Barcelona